26th Jan 2010, 21:34

Okay, I just sold my 1996 Monte Carlo Z34, and I am looking at buying a 1993 Chevy Lumina Z34 with 145,000 miles on her, and I was wondering, if this car would be a good buy at 1900.00, I really don't know these cars. My Monte had a 3.4, and honestly I love that car, and I guess what I am asking is would I be happy with the Z34 Lumina? Thanks J.R.

27th Jan 2010, 17:07

I actually owned a '95 Lumina myself. I personally would NEVER RECOMMEND A CHEVY LUMINA! Mine (purchased new) had a catastrophic engine failure at a measly 43,000 miles. I always followed the service manual and hadn't once missed an oil change. Even went above and beyond the service manual by changing my transmission fluid at 30,000 miles (manual recommended to never change it, fat chance.)

1993 Chevrolet Lumina Z34 3.4 V6 from North America

Summary:

Faults:

1) Three out of the four brakes went out. I had to get all new rotors and calipers and it cost well over $800 to get fixed. Two weeks later, the brand new right rear caliper went out.

2) The tie rods and struts went out at the exact same time. This cost me over $700.

3) I failed the emission test for my county twice. I had to get a brand new catalytic converter and oxygen sensor. This was around $350.

4) Two weeks ago, the brakes went out again. I had to get a new set of rotors and calipers for the front drivers side. This was somewhere around $350.

5) The gas pedal sticks. We've fixed it 5 times and it won't stop sticking. You have to use extra force on it, so the car kind of takes off. I'm used to it, but when other people drive it, they can't figure out what to do.

General Comments:

I love my Lumina. I think it's a beautiful car. It handles great in the snow. Has a great drive and it is great for road trips.

One thing that really bothers me though is the fact that it has no cup holders and the reach to the A/C and heat is a bit of a stretch.

And the other bad thing, I paid $3000 for my Lumina and within 6 months, I had that much worth of work done to it.